GLENDALE, Calif., Dec. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA) today announced that Michael Francis has been named to the newly created position of Chief Global Brand Officer. In this capacity, Francis will be responsible for DreamWorks Animation's worldwide branding initiatives, including the branding of all of the intellectual property associated with the studio. He will also be responsible for the Company's licensing and consumer products efforts as well as franchise management activities.

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This appointment signals a singular new focus for DreamWorks Animation: to leverage the strength of its brand equity around the globe. The Company's growing branded family entertainment portfolio today features the blockbuster franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon and Puss in Boots in addition to the extensive collection of beloved DreamWorks Classics titles, including Casper the Friendly Ghost, Where's Waldo?, Lassie, George of the Jungle and the Christmas Classic titles of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus is Comin' to Town.

"Michael is among the world's top brand strategists whose distinguished career in successfully growing brands around the world is unparalleled, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the DreamWorks Animation executive team," commented Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Katzenberg and Chief Operating Officer Ann Daly in a joint statement. "We have custom-created this vital new role specifically for Michael so that he can work toward developing our business on a global scale by leveraging both the overall DreamWorks Animation brand in addition to our growing collection of high-quality family entertainment properties."

"I am tremendously excited to join the DreamWorks Animation team. This is an incredibly powerful global family brand with enviable brand equity and significant untapped potential," added Francis. "DreamWorks Animation has a number of exciting opportunities for future growth and I look forward to working with Jeffrey, Ann and the entire team to take on this new role of elevating their iconic branded entertainment properties to even greater heights around the world."

Francis will begin at DreamWorks Animation immediately on a part-time basis and will assume his new role full-time in February 2013.

In Francis' career in branding and marketing, he has served as Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Farview Associates, LLC, a global brand agency, President of J.C. Penney, and over 26 years with the Target Corporation, where he ultimately held the title of Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.

About DreamWorks Animation SKG
DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series and live entertainment properties, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" by FORTUNE® Magazine for four consecutive years. In 2012, DreamWorks Animation ranks #14 on the list. All of DreamWorks Animation's feature films are produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 25 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar , Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon and Puss in Boots. The Company's theatrical releases for 2013 are The Croods on March 22, Turbo on July 19 and Mr. Peabody & Sherman on November 1.